MATAWAN CELEBRATION WAS A HISTORIC DAY

and Ptl. Poland! Wishing you a safe and successful career serving the residents of Matawan. ( reprinted with permission from Matawan Police Department )

By Cathy Zavorskas – Community Engagement Coordinator – Borough of Matawan

It isn’t often that we get to witness history in the making. Yet, on Saturday, June 3rd, the Matawan Historical Society with assistance from the Borough of Matawan held a two-day event that provided just that. The celebration honored the 300-year history of the Burrowes Mansion (1723-2023).

On the Saturday, a section of Main Street was transformed back to the colonial days of the American Revolutionary War. The Burrowes Mansion served as the centerpiece with a colonial encampment constructed in the backyard. The intention was to recreate the day in 1778, when British troops raided the

Burrowes Mansion to capture Captain John Burrowes, Jr. and make examples of the family to all who dared support the cause for independence.

The Historical Society brought us back to that day with a skillfully staged simulation of the raid and the skirmish, assisted by Garden State Black Powder Association reenactors and members of the Matawan Historical Society. During the fight, both British loyalists and colonial patriots sustained wounds and casualties. Captain Burrowes was not arrested, but his wife was hurt, and his father and others were taken prisoner.

The recreation of this momen- tous day in Matawan’s history served as an example of the Burrowes’ bravery, persistence, fortitude, and resolve, as well as that of many others who understood that they risked financial ruin, destruction of their homes and other possessions, injuries, and even death in the name of independence. Gunfire, cannon firings, and those in colonial attire made the transformation feel real, and the importance of the day compelling, giving the more than 1000 visitors a sense that they played a part in making this day a historic one for Matawan.